Newcastle goalkeeper Rob Elliot has admitted that he broke down in tears after learning the full extent of his injury.

Elliott has been deputising for Newcastle for most of the campaign in the absence of Tim Krul and was hopeful of travelling to Euro 2016 with the Republic of Ireland.

However, the keeper suffered anterior cruciate ligament damage during the 2-2 friendly draw with Slovakia on Tuesday night.

The 29-year-old, who was expected to play a key role in NewcastleÂ’s survival bid, admitted he broke down after learning the news in hospital.

Elliot said: “Sustaining the injury happened in a split second.

“The ball was played across the goal and I moved across to get in line. I dived after the ball as I would do in any training session or any game, but I felt pain straight away. Watching it back, I grabbed my knee before I’d even landed.

“When I found out it was my cruciate ligament, that’s when the tears came.

“There was a wave of emotion knowing I’d miss the rest of the season with Newcastle and the Euros with Ireland. But you have to let that come, get past it and then look to be positive.”